Be prepared for the storm

6/5/2024 (Permalink)

Take precautions BEFORE a storm hits to minimize damage

Storms affect your home more than you may realize. At first glance a storm may look like high winds, just some rain, maybe some snow and sleet. When you look closer, storms and what all they bring, you begin to notice how it may greatly affect your home. 

Large trees 

Trees near your home can get weakened by storms causing branches to bend and possibly break causing damage to your home or roof. Now is a good time to get your trees trimmed and looked at. 

Heavy Rain 

Rain is pretty common in the Northwest, but if there is a leak in your roof or windows the heavy rains will find their way in through these spots and cause water damage to the interior of your home. Get these spots taken care of before heavy rains. 

Chimney Maintenance

Your chimney can become packed with debris during a storm causing a blockage, this is also a place for animals to build their nest creating a bigger problem. Get your chimney cleaned out in preparation for the stormy season.  

Flooding

High winds mixed with rainfall can bring down small branches and leaves, as well as garbage, to fill your gutters and clog the storm drains on your street. This causes the continuously falling water to back up and rise. In your gutters, this can feed water back into any access/opening into your roof to cause flooding from the ceiling, Debris with heavy rains can also cause water to pool up against your home’s foundation, and feed back into your basement or crawl space.  Debris blocking a storm drain can cause the street and sidewalk to overflow, and risk damaging your home or property.  It is important to pay attention on dryer days and clear any debris that may have gathered during previous windy or rainy days.

Paying attention to your environment/surrounding BEFORE the storm hits, can help prevent a major loss to you and your family.  But if disaster strikes, do not hesitate to call your Water Remediation Specialists at SERVPRO Team McGinnis today at 541-745-2097.

Protect your family during a storm

1/17/2024 (Permalink)

Carbon Monoxide Detectors can help keep your family safe

When a winter storm hits, temperatures plummet. We feel the cold, even indoors as houses can be drafty, or a loss of power causes a loss of heat.  As many turn on portable heaters, the risk of fire is probably their primary safety concern.  Most people do not even consider the risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning!  But many common practices that come with a winter storm do come with an increased risk of accidental CO poisoning. To reduce your risk, and help keep your family safer during a winter storm, please be aware of the following:

• Proper use and ventilation of portable generators. Generators can be a life saver during a loss of power in a Winter Storm.  But they also create CO, so only use a generator per manufacturer’s instructions, and only in areas with proper ventilation. Never place one in an enclosed space, such as a basement, attic or attached garage. And make sure it is placed at least 15 feet away from a window or door into the home!
• Make sure chimneys are clean. Woodstoves, or wood burning fireplaces are a great source of heat in a cold snap. However, if the chimney is clogged, that CO filled smoke will feed back into the home, putting everyone at risk.
• Do not idle your car, or any vehicle, in a garage.Even with a garage door open, the colder air condenses the CO in the exhaust from the vehicle.
• Don’t use your oven or stove to heat your home.
• ANYTHING that burns fuel can create CO.Gas-Powered Generators, Furnaces, Wood stoves, Kerosene heaters, Gas-powered tools, Gas-Powered home appliances, Gas and Charcoal Grills, and, of course, vehicles.  Only use these items in well ventilated areas.
• Check exterior vents for ice or snow covering.During a storm, your furnace and appliance’s exhaust vents can become covered in ice or snow.  This can cause that exhaust to vent into the home, putting you and your family at great risk.
• Install Carbon Monoxide detectors. Have at least one on every floor of your home. Change out the batteries when you change clocks for Daylight Savings.

While we cannot ever be 100% prepared for a storm, making sure your home’s heating systems are in good shape BEFORE winter storms strike is your best defense.  If you need the name of a good Chimney Sweep, or Heating & Cooling Company, call us at SERVPRO® for a recommendation. We have worked with many wonderful Service Men and Women in our community and are happy to help you find someone to assist you.

Ready for the Storm

11/6/2023 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO we are prepared to respond to your storm damage

SERVPRO® technicians maintain certifications from the IICRC, which allows our team to handle weather related damages to residential and commercial properties.

A rainstorm in the Willamette Valley, caused property damages and our team was dispatched to the area.

Here is an example of the certifications our team members have.

• Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT)

Technicians learn techniques and procedures to deal with water losses, sewer backflows, and contamination such as mold.

• Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD)

Technicians learn to dry water-damaged structures efficiently and effectively. 

• Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT)
• Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT)

Technicians with AMRT certification learn safety practices and mold/ sewage remediation techniques. 

Let our trained and qualified professionals take the stress and worry away from storm damages by keeping you up to date with the process, with our fast and efficient work to get your home or business back in order, and with our courteous and polite employees.

SERVPRO® is "Faster to Any Size Disaster". Call 541-745-2097 for an inspection.    

Flooded Basement? SERVPRO CAN HELP!

6/8/2023 (Permalink)

Standing water in your basement? DO NOT DELAY - call SERVPRO right away!

SERVPRO Cleans Basement Flood Damage in Benton County and Linn County.

Benton and Linn County homeowners may be aware of the risks basements face when it comes to flooding, but they may be surprised to know that only 2% of basements never experience flood damage during their lifespan. While there are many preventive measures that you can take to minimize damage, when disaster strikes, it can be stressful and overwhelming to keep your family safe and salvage your home and belongings after it occurs. However, there is a team that can help. 

When Flood damage hits your basement, SERVPRO technicians are ready to bring fully-loaded trucks filled with cutting-edge equipment, EPA-registered biocides, and gas-powered generators to restore your home to a preloss condition. The Institute of Inspection Cleanup and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-accredited pros handle everything from extracting floodwaters, waste, and debris from your basement to making necessary structural repairs to your property. 

What to Maintain to Minimize Basement Floods

• Sealing tiles and foundation. Proper sealing is necessary to prevent water seepage and foundation damage.
• Proper downspout installation. If downspouts are too short, are clogged, or face the wrong way, floodwaters can quickly be redirected into your home through cracks in the basement. 
• Drain tiles. This is the drainage system built around your home, like a curtain drain.
• Clean gutters. Much like your downspouts, gutters need adequate care to prevent damage and clogs that can eventually lead to water pooling in the basement. 
• Sump pumps. Making sure your basement's drainage system is operational minimizes the risk of sewage backups and floodwater backing up into your home.

SERVPRO Restores Your Home

SERVPRO techs have the means to remove floodwaters, no matter how deep. Portable, back-mounted extractors, wet/dry vacuums, and mops are ideal for small-scale floods. Submersible, gas-powered pumps tackle floodwaters 2 inches or higher. Truck-mounted extraction systems remove large volumes of water: Anywhere from 60 gallons to well over 100 gallons of floodwater. After extraction, your basement can be sanitized with EPA-registered biocides and prepared for structural drying.

SERVPRO of Benton County and Linn County provide mitigation service that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. You can call (541) 745-2037 for reliable rapid-response service. 

Are you prepared for a storm?

6/8/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help make it like it never happened after the storm

Storms are inevitable in most places around the world, and as the seasons change here in the Willamette Valley, we can get hit hard. Altho we cannot change the weather, we can do our best to be prepared for an impending storm.

What you need to have to prepare for a strorm:

Canned goods and a manual can opener

Now everyone knows in a natural disaster that canned fruits, vegetables and even things like canned beans are a great food supply. They will last a long time and offer you the nutrients you need. 

However, opening a can without a can opener can be difficult and sometimes not possible. Make sure to add a can opener to your set so in a time of disaster you have access to canned goods. 

Batteries (big and small)

 One of the most important things you’re going to need in the event of al storm or hurricane is power and if you don’t have a generator, you’re going to be relying on batteries to get you through the day.

Not only are they going to be powering the flashlights you’re using to see at night, but they’re going to be powering other things as well that you’ll have to remember. For example, don’t forget to stock up on your hearing aid batteries if that’s one of the things you use.

Water

 The most important thing, and everybody pretty much knows this, is you want to have drinking water on hand but what most people do not really know: is how much do you need?

The American Red Cross recommends that you have one gallon, per person, per day in the event of a natural disaster. So that means a family of four, over five days is going to need 20 gallons of water.

Cash is King

 When the power is out, credit cards and ATMs are a no-go, so cash is a must have. Always keep a handy amount ready to go in case the storm fallout lasts longer than you anticipated, and you need to get more supplies or fill up your gas tank.

A list of Emergency Phone #s

Keep a list of emergency phone numbers pinned on your refrigerator. Do not forget to include SERVPRO of Benton and Linn County in that list! We can be there to help you recover after the storm.

Rain or Shine, Call Our Line!

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

Storms can cause severe damage to your property, whether it's from high winds, flooding, or lightning strikes. At SERVPRO, we understand the devastating effects that storms can have on your home or business, and we are equipped to handle any storm-related disaster.

Our team of highly trained professionals is available 24/7 to provide emergency storm response services. We use state-of-the-art equipment to extract water, dry out affected areas, and restore your property to preloss condition quickly and efficiently.

One of the most common storm-related disasters is flooding. Flooding can occur due to heavy rains or rising water levels, and it can cause significant damage to your property. Our team has experience working with flood-damaged properties and uses advanced techniques to extract water, dry out affected areas, and prevent further damage from occurring.

Storms can also cause damage from fallen trees and debris. Our team can quickly remove debris and assess the damage to your property. We will work with you every step of the way to develop a customized plan tailored to your specific needs and budget.

In addition to our restoration and cleanup services, we also offer storm preparedness services. We can help you develop a plan to protect your property from future storms, including preparing your roof and gutters, securing loose items, and creating a disaster kit.

At SERVPRO, we believe that communication is key to a successful storm restoration and cleanup process. We will keep you informed every step of the way and work closely with you to ensure that your property is restored to preloss condition as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Contact us today for more information on our storm restoration and cleanup services, and let us help you get your property back to preloss condition.

SERVPRO Weathers the Storm with You!

5/3/2023 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes, we're here to help!

Storms can cause severe damage to your property, whether it's from high winds, flooding, or lightning strikes. At SERVPRO, we understand the devastating effects that storms can have on your home or business, and we are equipped to handle any storm-related disaster.

Our team of highly trained professionals is available 24/7 to provide emergency storm response services. We use state-of-the-art equipment to extract water, dry out affected areas, and restore your property to preloss condition quickly and efficiently.

One of the most common storm-related disasters is flooding. Flooding can occur due to heavy rains or rising water levels, and it can cause significant damage to your property. Our team has experience working with flood-damaged properties and uses advanced techniques to extract water, dry out affected areas, and prevent further damage from occurring.

Storms can also cause damage from fallen trees and debris. Our team can quickly remove debris and assess the damage to your property. We will work with you every step of the way to develop a customized plan tailored to your specific needs and budget.

In addition to our restoration and cleanup services, we also offer storm preparedness services. We can help you develop a plan to protect your property from future storms, including preparing your roof and gutters, securing loose items, and creating a disaster kit.

At SERVPRO, we believe that communication is key to a successful storm restoration and cleanup process. We will keep you informed every step of the way and work closely with you to ensure that your property is restored to preloss condition as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Contact us today for more information on our storm restoration and cleanup services, and let us help you get your property back to preloss condition.

Local Storms Knock Down Trees!

1/17/2023 (Permalink)

Attic is affect by tree puncturing through!

Trees were hit hard this past February...when the Ice Storm hit Salem and the surrounding areas hard. Most people with vegetation on their land lost trees, if not to the wind, to the broken branches and trucks giving up due to the heavy weight of the ice pulling them down.

SERVPRO responded to loss here in Salem, that had the occupants still living there, but they had a tree on their roof…in one place, they had part of the tree through the roof. It punctured through the shingles and plywood without any trouble at all. The shear force of the tree smashing through the roof was shocking. The homeowners described it as “Louder than anything they had ever heard” and “Scary”. The water intruded through the broken roof, down through the insulation, saturated the beams and back of the drywall on the ceiling and finally ran down the interior walls in the family room.

The water made its way through the attic, the family room, and finally ended in the garage. The wall in the family room was paneled and painted…the water warped the paneling beyond repair and the paneling and drywall in the family room had to be replaced. The garage also had part of the drywall of the ceiling removed to treat/dry behind.

Overall, most of the damage was secluded to the roof, family room, and garage. Once we got the non-salvageable materials removed and dry, it was just finishing touches from there. As you can imagine, we had to wait until the roof was secured/not leaking before we did any work. Throughout this time, we stayed in touch with the customer, the insurance, and the vendors involved. This home had good insurance in place that covered the losses due to the storm. If you haven’t checked up on what your policy covers, ask for a review with your agent. Going into a storm and dealing with damage from a storm is much more manageable when you know how the process goes, and what you are covered for.

Below is a press release issued by oregon.gov and includes insurance tips for ice storms/winter storms.

Oregon.gov provides insurance tips after Ice Storm

Storms in the PNW!

1/17/2023 (Permalink)

We are here to help and make it like it never happened!

Here in the Pacific Northwest we see a lot of rain, however strong winds and rains that cause major damage to homes and businesses are not as frequent. Overall, this is great for our us, our homes and our businesses. What we don’t focus on, or tend to forget about, is being prepared for a storm.
A heavy storm can wreck havoc. Structures, whether it business or residential, don’t stand a chance against heavy rains and winds that can take shingles off of roofs.
We see more losses during unusually heavy rainstorms than we usually see within a 24 hour period. Most of the losses we see are from flooded basements, leaky roofing, and fallen trees onto structures. Sometimes even storm drains can’t keep up with heavy flowing water, and the drains back up into yards, houses, streets, and businesses.
We need to consider what we will do if a large storm hits? Do we have supplies if the electricity goes out? How will we stay warm or cool if the electricity stays out for an extended period? Do we have enough fresh water and non-perishable food on hand if traveling isn’t advised?
If storms do hit your home or business and you need help remediating the loss and cleaning up the debris and water, call SERVPRO of Salem West. We are available 24 hours a day to help you in the occurrence of storm damage.

Winter is Coming!

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

PNW Winter Outlook 2022-2023!

It is that time of year where we all start to ponder what winter will look like here in the PNW. 

Forcasters believe we will have our third year of La Nina.

What is La Nina? The La Nina phase tends to turn our weather cooler and wetter in the Pacific Northwest across the winter months. Frigid, deep ocean waters surface in the eastern Pacific and cause the polar jet stream to push north, bringing a parade of strong storms into the Pacific Northwest. La Nina winters can easily set the stage for snow events.

So, in preparation and protection. Folks should plan early to protect from possible winter storm damage. 

Weatherize your home! Cap outside water spickets, open your cabinets in your home to help heat keep your pipes warm, leave a drip stream running from your facet nightly to keep water flow through your pipes. 

If you do experience a busted water pipe due to frozen pipes, call us!  

Stormy Oregon Days Can Bring Unwelcome Losses

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

With spring showers and rainy days plentiful in the Willamette Valley, losses due to storms happen often. Storms bring about flooding, leaking from roofs, wind damage (needing board-ups) and sometimes water penetration into homes and businesses. Storm losses are category three losses for SERVPRO of Salem West. Category three losses are dark water/highly contaminated water. When it comes to servicing a loss due to storms, it is always considered a contaminated loss. This is due to the fact that storm water cannot be traced, and often flows through many different areas and environments before entering a home.
Wet/flooded basements often occur from storm losses, basement flooding and water intrusion during storms is something that SERVPRO of Salem West has seen many times over the years.
When dealing with a water loss due to storm water intrusion, our technicians are always required to follow safety regulations and always keep the customers wellbeing and safety in mind when stabilizing the loss. In contaminated cases, sanitization of areas needs to take place before air movement/drying come into play. Standing water must also be extracted and the source of the water intrusion needs to mediated/stopped before sanitization can begin.
SERVPRO of Salem West has been cleaning up after natural disasters/storms all over America since SERVPRO started. We pride ourselves on providing the best quality services during a storm event and returning your home or business to a safe, clean, and dry environment. If a storm has affected your home or business and left damages behind, call SERVPRO of Salem West, we are faster to any sized disaster!

FREEZE!

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

A freeze can leave widespread damage in it’s wake!

During a Ice Storm, many households lose power for long periods of time, in recent years longer than ever before. Hundreds were out of power for a week or more in the freeze of 2021 in the Willamette Valley. Generators became scarce, and people tried their best to start cleaning up their properties on their own.
What were the calls SERVPRO got more than any other you may ask? It was the calls from the homeowners with a flooded basement or trees falling onto their homes and structures. Flooded basements were largely due to the power outage and substantial moisture over the course of the storm. Many homes in the valley area have basements, and therefor have sump-pumps to keep that basement dry, but when the power goes out…electricity does not feed the sump pump and it becomes useless.
We saw home after home with finished basements buried in feet of storm water, we saw homeowners that carried the water out in buckets, that sucked up what they could with a shop vac, that went out as soon as the power flickered and bought a generator! It was the homeowners that took mitigation into their own hands that had the least amount of damage once SERVPRO arrived onsite. The homeowners that saw the water sitting in their basements for a week, were not so fortunate.
Insurance also came into play as an obstacle for many homeowners. So many policies only had a small amount of damage covered under sewer and drain. This caused some of our customers thousands of dollars and some large losses tens of thousands of dollars worth of uncovered damages.
We learned how to respond to dozens of jobs at once due to ice storms, and each home we encountered that had damages from the freeze we gained a whole new perspective on how unique and substantial the event was. It was a hectic and heart pounding time here at SERVPRO, but we got to help a lot of people through one of the most unexpected events of their lives, and we all learned a lot along the way.

Storm Drains Can Clog Quickly!

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO technician is pictured standing in a flooded parking lot. A clogged storm drain was the culprit of this water issue!

When the rain gets heavy, standing water can build where it shouldn't!

We have had record calls from homeowners and businesses this past year about standing water in their parking lots, and overflowed storm drains.

Many times this can happen due to debris being built up in the drain filter. Cleaning it out is hard physical labor, but regularly necessary. 

Also, sometimes storm drains simply cannot keep up with heavy rainfalls and downpours. If you notice a storm drain in your town that is flooded and not draining properly, you can reach out to your local public works department at the city and report the problem.

If the storm drain is located on your private property you are responsible for servicing the storm drain yourself. Most likely it is a build up of debris in the upper portion of the drain filter, but sometimes it is a failure of the line that runs underground. the later is a much more significant cost to fix.

Plumbers have specialty equipment to clear drains. SERVPRO has provided such services, but if the problem is more than a clogged drain filter, a plumber and excavator company will most likely be needed. 

You can check your storm drains with a flashlight periodically when they are free of standing water and see if you can spy any clogging or build-up of leaves and rubbish that is preventing the drain from working optimally.

SERVPRO unclogged our own parking lot storm drain this past year, it was due to leaves and branches and dirt build-up. Often times it can clog very suddenly. So best to inspect seasonally if possible. 

Will we see a major storm event this Winter in the PNW?

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

Checking the Roots of Tree's Can Prevent Property Damage!

Oregon's climate has been calm this winter so far. With only one snow event this winter thus far, we have not had to endure our typical winter storm events. That could all change coming the end of this month and into February. Back in 2013, it wasn't till early February that we experienced our coldest and heaviest winter storms events. 2022 has quite the feel of that year's weather trends.

We do not know if we will experience the ice, snow, wind or rain storm events, however here at SERVPRO we are gearing up for whatever may happen. Preparing your home is the best preparation one can do. One tip we suggest is: 

Make sure all trees around your home are maintained. Check the roots of the tree to see that they are healthy and strong. If they are exposing's themselves, this could mean that the tree is dying. 

Down tree's here in the PNW is a very common part of a storm event. If you have a fallen tree on your home, call us here at SERVPRO. Here to help and preserve your property. 

Pro Tips for Storm Damage!

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

Professional Tips!

La Niña Round Two Anticipated for the PNW!

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

La Niña is Forecasted for the Second Year PNW!

La Niña is a world wide weather pattern and here in the PNW we are entering our second year of this pattern.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, La Niña typically results in wetter and cooler conditions over the winter period. This ultimately means very stormy conditions.

This past year, we started the winter with heavy winds. In just one day last winter we had 17 calls for trees on roofs from a major wind storm.

We then had a ice storm that put a freeze on the majority of the Willamette Valley. This type of freeze storm had not been seen in these parts for nearly 40 years. Thousands were without power and many for over a week time span. 

Storm damage can include; wind, water, biohazard and fire. Call us, the professionals at SERVPRO when your property suffers from Storm Damage! 

We are here to help!

Wildfire Storm Season is Upon Us!

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Oregon is Approaching Wildfire Storm Season!

While we hope you never experience winter or summer storm damage, Oregon is notorious for its heavy rain wind and now wildfires. If you ever find yourself in need of repairs or help after a Storm call your local
SERVPRO today! We have trained professionals on call 24 hours a day.

Storm and Flood Services

• Fire, Smoke, Soot and Debris Removal
• Emergency Board Up

Water Mitigation and Storm Damage

- Mold Remediation
- Sewage Extraction & Cleanup
- Carpet & Floor Cleaning
- Odor Removal
And much more!

We have trained professionals ready to help you along the recovery process. Don’t stress too much if you find yourself in need of our help, we ensure we will have your home
or business up and running back in no time! Faster to any size disaster. SERVPRO is ready to
help you!

21 Wildfires Ignited Last Summer, Are you Prepared?

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Wildfires Cause Devastating Damages!

2020 Wild Fire Storms. Weather alignments came together at the perfect time and caused unprecedented catastrophe.  

Per the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, 1,004,562 acres burnt in the state of Oregon. There were 21 total fires and 9 fatalities.

In Linn county alone we lost 71 homes and 122 other structures.   

To this date we are still in recovery mode. The clean up and rebuild is in process is ongoing.

Summer is on its way and so is the threat of fire season here in Oregon again. 

What we learned: 

Many were awoken at the wee hours of the morning and asked to leave their homes with literally no time to think about what to grab. 

Preparedness is of utmost importance. Having all of your important documentation in a secured location and ready to go is key. This would help in the aftermath efforts. 

Key Items;  Wallet, ID, Birth Certificates, Social Security Cards, House Documents & Insurance Documents, Money. 

Call us before going back into the home or structure. There will be many hazards. Having a trained professional by your side will protect you and your property. 

Here at SERVPRO we are always here to help! 

Oregon Weather!

4/23/2021 (Permalink)

Storms Can be Destructive!

Living in the Pacific Northwest you almost never know what kind of weather you are going to see. Oregon weather has a mind of its own and the temps can go from the low 90’s to the low 60’s just in a matter of a couple of days. Oregon has been known to experience heavy rain at times and multiple funnel clouds. With this kind of weather comes flooding and wind damage to homes and businesses. We here at SERVPRO of Benton/Linn county are ready to respond 24/7 to any issue you home might be experiencing from the storm. SERVPRO has many years of storm damage experience. If your home or business needs help from a storm give SERVPRO of Benton/Linn County a call at (541)745-2097.

We Can Help!

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

Need Water Extraction? Call Us Today!

Major Storms might not be common in Oregon, but lots of rain and snow is! Many homeowners here in Oregon may not be aware that basement flooding is very common, but don't worry! In the case you ever experience a flooded basement, SERVPRO has trained professionals and state of the art equipment that can remove any amount of water; no matter how deep! Once all the water is removed, we can clean your basement and repair any damages caused by the flooding. In the meantime, here are some things you can do as a homeowner to try and prevent your basement from flooding. 

• Sealing tiles and foundation. Proper sealing is necessary to prevent water seepage and foundation damage.
• Proper downspout installation. If downspouts are too short, are clogged, or face the wrong way, floodwaters can quickly be redirected into your home through cracks in the basement. 
• Drain tiles. This is the drainage system built around your home, like a curtain drain.
• Clean gutters. Much like your downspouts, gutters need adequate care to prevent damage and clogs that can eventually lead to water pooling in the basement. 
• Sump pumps. Making sure your basement's drainage system is operational minimizes the risk of sewage backups and floodwater backing up into your home.

Water Damage? Act Fast!

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

"Flood Cut Opens the Wall Cavity for Drying"

When it comes to water damage, SERVPRO is the company to call! We take pride in restoring your property to its pre-damage condition. We take several steps to ensure no more damage occurs, and that the damage that has happened is taken care of as quickly as possible. 

• Initial Emergency Contact: We are available 24 hours a day, if you have an emergency, call us right away!

• Inspection and Damage Assessment: When we arrive on scene, we will do a detailed inspection of the damage 

• Moisture Extraction:  If necessary, we will bring in pumps to extract excess water, and reduce drying time 

• Dehumidifying and Drying: Once the excess water has been removed, equipment will be placed to speed up the drying time and help the moisture evaporate 

• Cleaning and Repair: Items that can be saved will be professionally cleaned, anything non salvageable will be replaced or repaired 

• Restoration: This is wear we restore your home to its pre-damaged condition. This includes replacing flooring, drywall, trim, and painting. 

Winter is on its Way!

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

Prepare for Winter!

With the fall and winter seasons upon us, that also means freezing weather! Freezing weather
also leads to frozen pipes. If you have a pipe burst, SERVPRO has trained professionals that
can repair all the damages and have your home looking “Like it never even happened.” In the
meantime, here are some tips to help prevent your pipes from freezing.
- If the crawl space access is inside the home, set a fan in the opening to blow warm air
from the home to the foundation
- Leave the cabinet doors under the sink open to keep the pipes warm
- Caulk and seal around doors, windows and faucets
- Close all foundation vents that are near pipes

-Undo all hoses from the spigots on the outside of your home.
SERVPRO Benton & Linn County - (541).745.2097

Who should I call for Flood Damage in my Basement?

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

We are here to help our community.

SERVPRO Cleans Basement Flood Damage in Benton County and Linn County.

Benton and Linn County homeowners may be aware of the risks basements face when it comes to flooding, but they may be surprised to know that only 2% of basements never experience flood damage during their lifespan. While there are many preventive measures that you can take to minimize damage, when disaster strikes, it can be stressful and overwhelming to keep your family safe and salvage your home and belongings after it occurs. However, there is a team that can help. 

When Flood damage hits your basement, SERVPRO technicians are ready to bring fully-loaded trucks filled with cutting-edge equipment, EPA-registered biocides, and gas-powered generators to restore your home to a preloss condition. The Institute of Inspection Cleanup and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-accredited pros handle everything from extracting floodwaters, waste, and debris from your basement to making necessary structural repairs to your property. 

What to Maintain to Minimize Basement Floods

• Sealing tiles and foundation. Proper sealing is necessary to prevent water seepage and foundation damage.
• Proper downspout installation. If downspouts are too short, are clogged, or face the wrong way, floodwaters can quickly be redirected into your home through cracks in the basement. 
• Drain tiles. This is the drainage system built around your home, like a curtain drain.
• Clean gutters. Much like your downspouts, gutters need adequate care to prevent damage and clogs that can eventually lead to water pooling in the basement. 
• Sump pumps. Making sure your basement's drainage system is operational minimizes the risk of sewage backups and floodwater backing up into your home.

SERVPRO Restores Your Home

SERVPRO techs have the means to remove floodwaters, no matter how deep. Portable, back-mounted extractors, wet/dry vacuums, and mops are ideal for small-scale floods. Submersible, gas-powered pumps tackle floodwaters 2 inches or higher. Truck-mounted extraction systems remove large volumes of water: Anywhere from 60 gallons to well over 100 gallons of floodwater. After extraction, your basement can be sanitized with EPA-registered biocides and prepared for structural drying.

SERVPRO of The Seacoast, SERVPRO of Dover-Rochester, and SERVPRO of Benton County and Linn County provide mitigation service that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. You can call (541) 541-2097 for reliable rapid-response service. 

6 Steps to Water Mitigation

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

Your problem our solution. Call SERVPRO, faster to any size disaster! 541-745-2097

When your property incurs water damage, acting quickly is important

When you discover water damage, you can count on SERVPRO of Benton County and Linn County six-step restoration process to truly restore your property to its pre-damage condition.

6 Steps to Water Damage Restoration

1. Initial Emergency Contact
   • You can call us 24 hours a day to begin the water restoration process because taking immediate action is crucial after water damage occurs. When you call us, we will ask you questions to get an overview of the damage and to help us determine what resources to dispatch to you.
2. Inspection and Damage Assessment
   • When we arrive on the scene in response to water damage, we will do a detailed property inspection to assess the scope of the damage and to develop a thorough plan of action. We will identify the water source, the category of water, and check for safety concerns.
3. Moisture Extraction
   • The water extraction process will remove the majority of moisture via our extraction and pump units. We will start this process as quickly as possible to lessen the likelihood of more damage occurring and to reduce drying time. We can also help you move out of your belongings in the event that they might be damaged as well.
4. Dehumidifying and Drying
   • After the excess water has been removed, we can begin fully drying all porous materials that have absorbed water. Our industrial-grade equipment moves air quickly and helps moisture to evaporate as fast as possible, which will dry out floors, walls, and carpets as well as discourage mold growth.
5. Cleaning and Repair
   • After sustaining water damage, impacted surfaces will typically require professional cleaning. In addition to structural cleaning, we will clean your belongings that are able to be restored. We will also do odor removal to prevent the musty odor that water-damaged objects often develop.
6. Restoration
   • The final step is ensuring that your property is restored to its pre-water condition. This will involve things like drywall and flooring repairs or even reconstruction. By working with us, you are working with a company that can handle all elements of the restoration, including the difficult reconstruction parts that truly restores things back to their pre-damaged state. We also handle restoration and construction.

We Repair Storm Damage in Benton & Linn Counties

4/30/2020 (Permalink)

Frozen pipe. When this happens call the professionals at SERVPRO of Benton County at 541-745-2097

Winter storms are not a common occurance in Benton and Linn Counties, but it can can happen with little or no advanced warning. Snow and ice buildup on the roof or other building structure can cause water intrusion damage to your home or commercial property. SERVPRO^® of Benton County & Linn County wants our community to know that we are ready to respond to your storm damage call and will begin the cleanup and restoration process immediately. We have the specialized training and state-of-the-art equipment needed to restore your business or home back to pre-storm condition. Here are some of the storm and related services we offer:

• Storm & Flood Services
• Water & Storm Damage Tips
• Disaster Recovery Team
• Water Restoration Process
• Caring For Your Belongings
• Mold Remediation
• Sewage Cleanup
• Carpet Cleaning
• Odor Removal
• Building Services
• Commercial Storm Damage

We hope you never experience winter storm damage but if you do, we want to help. We know that every minute counts when it comes to preventing storm damage repairs from becoming costly. Our team of highly trained professionals is on call 24 hours a day every day. Call us today at 541-745-2097. 

SERVPRO^® of Benton County is Independently Owned and Operated.

How to protect your home in a storm

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

In the Pacific North West it is very common to have wind storms, and them to cause a major damage to homes.

We live in the Pacific Northwest and we love it! That also means we have a a lot of different weather that we experience in the winter months. From strong winds and rain to heavy snow here are 4 ways to protect your home from a storm. 

1. Clear away outdoor items

Make sure all lawn furniture, gardening tools, sporting equipment and other outdoor items are stored away if a storm is heading your way. High winds during a heavy storm can potentially pick up these items and send them flying through a window or far away from your home. Putting away loose outdoor items in this situation can protect your house (and your neighbors’ houses) from unnecessary damage.

2. Trim the trees

Take time to examine the trees in your yard or surrounding your house.

Storms will often snap large tree branches, which can damage your home's siding, smash your car or even topple power lines and cause outages. If the tree has a loose connection with a big branch, consider sawing it off. It might reduce some shade in the yard, but can potentially protect your home.

3. Have standby power

Electricity lines are vulnerable during storms. Fallen branches can easily snap the power lines, and lightning strikes can blow up transformers, causing major power outages.

A whole-house surge protective device runs in the $200 to $300 range and is easy for an electrician to install. A generator is a great way to protect your home during storms and for a constant back up.

4. Flood-proof your home

Heavy rainstorms can lead to flooding, which can potentially wreak havoc on homes. Water damage can devalue a house and cause significant problems with the foundation.

Be ready in case of emergency, but if and when one occurs, rely on the professionals at Linn/Benton County SERVPRO. Call us today at (541)745-2097.

Carbon Monoxide - what are the risks?

1/17/2020 (Permalink)

Having CO Detectors in your home can help save lives.

When a winter storm hits, temperatures plummet. We feel the cold, even indoors as houses can be drafty, or a loss of power causes a loss of heat.  As many turn on portable heaters, the risk of fire is probably their primary safety concern.  Most people do not even consider the risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning!  But many common practices that come with a winter storm do come with an increased risk of accidental CO poisoning. To reduce your risk, and help keep your family safer during a winter storm, please be aware of the following :

• Proper use and ventilation of portable generators. Generators can be a life saver during a loss of power in a Winter Storm.  But they also create CO, so only use a generator per manufacturer’s instructions, and only in areas with proper ventilation. Never place one in an enclosed space, such as a basement, attic or attached garage. And make sure it is placed at least 15 feet away from a window or door into the home!
• Make sure chimneys are clean. Woodstoves, or wood burning fireplaces are a great source of heat in a cold snap. However, if the chimney is clogged, that CO filled smoke will feed back into the home, putting everyone at risk.
• Do not idle your car, or any vehicle, in a garage. Even with a garage door open, the colder air condenses the CO in the exhaust from the vehicle.
• Don’t use your oven or stove to heat your home.
• ANYTHING that burns fuel can create CO. Gas-Powered Generators, Furnaces, Wood stoves, Kerosene heaters, Gas-powered tools, Gas-Powered home appliances, Gas and Charcoal Grills, and, of course, vehicles.  Only use these items in well ventilated areas.
• Check exterior vents for ice or snow covering. During a storm, your furnace and appliance’s exhaust vents can become covered in ice or snow.  This can cause that exhaust to vent into the home, putting you and your family at great risk.
• Install Carbon Monoxide detectors. Have at least one on every floor of your home. Change out the batteries when you change clocks for Daylight Savings.

While we cannot ever be 100% prepared for a storm, making sure your home’s heating systems are in good shape BEFORE winter storms strike is your best defense.  If you need the name of a good Chimney Sweep, or Heating & Cooling Company, call us at SERVPRO for a recommendation. We have worked with many wonderful Service Men and Women in our community and are happy to help you find someone to assist you.

The Camp Fire, and the Damage

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

The Camp fire is still to this day California's most devastating and deadliest fire.

It’s been a year since the Camp Fire accrued November 8^th 2018. The fire took over 3 weeks to put out. The fire was caused by a transmission line owned and operated by PG& E of California. The fire consumed over 150,000 acres, and destroyed 18,000 building.  More than 10 towns were affected in some way from this horrible fire.  The Camp Fire is one of the most destructive and deadliest fires in California’s history.  SERVPRO of Benton/Linn County was dispatched to go, and help assist other local SERVPRO’s with the clean- up effort.  Over the 6 week period we were there we cleaned over 25 homes and building from smoke damage. Now that it’s been a year the people who were affected by the Camp Fire our still on our mind, and prayers.  

Storms in the Pacific North West

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

Funnel cloud that was forming over the Willamette valley.

Living in the Pacific North West you almost never know what kind of weather you are going to see. The last week here in Oregon the weather has had a mind of it’s own. The temps went from the low 90’s to the low 60’s just in a matter of a couple of days. This brings very crazy weather.  Yesterday the mid-Valley experienced heavy rain at times and multiple funnel cloud.  With this kind of weather come flooding and wind damage to homes and businesses. We here at SERVPRO of Benton/Linn county are ready to respond 24/7 to any issue you home might be experiencing from the storm. SERVPRO has many years of storm damage experience.  If you home or business needs help from a storm give SERVPRO of Benton/Linn County a call at (541)745-2097.

Top 5 things you need to have on hand to prepare for a storm.

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

Living in the Pacific Northwest we get the occasional storm that will knock out power for a period of time. These 5 thing will come in handy in a time of a storm that cause power loss.

1. Canned goods and a manual can opener

Now everyone knows in a natural disaster that canned fruits, vegetables and even things like canned beans are a great food supply. They will last a long time and offer you the nutrients you need. 

However, opening a can without a can opener can be difficult and sometimes not possible. Make sure to add a can opener to your set so in a time of disaster you have access to canned goods. 

2. Batteries (big and small)

 One of the most important things you’re going to need in the event of al storm or hurricane is power and if you don’t have a generator, you’re going to be relying on batteries to get you through the day.

Not only are they going to be powering the flashlights you’re using to see at night, but they’re going to be powering other things as well that you’ll have to remember. For example, don’t forget to stock up on your hearing aid batteries if that’s one of the things you use.

3. Water

 The most important thing, and everybody pretty much knows this, is you want to have drinking water on hand but what everybody doesn’t really know is how much do you need?

The American Red Cross recommends that you have one gallon, per person, per day in the event of a natural disaster. So that means a family of four, over five days is going to need 20 gallons of water.

5. Cash is King

 When the power is out, credit cards and ATMs are a no-go so cash is a must have. Always keep a handy amount ready to go in case the storm fallout lasts longer than you anticipated and you need to get more supplies or fill up your gas tank.

4 Major Storm Protection Tips For Your Home

5/21/2019 (Permalink)

We live in the Pacific Northwest and we love it! That also means we have a a lot of different weather that we experience in the winter months. From strong winds and rain to heavy snow here are 4 ways to protect your home from a storm. If your home is damaged SERVPRO will make it like it never happened.

1. Clear away outdoor items

Make sure all lawn furniture, gardening tools, sporting equipment and other outdoor items are stored away if a storm is heading your way. High winds during a heavy storm can potentially pick up these items and send them flying through a window or far away from your home. Putting away loose outdoor items in this situation can protect your house (and your neighbors’ houses) from unnecessary damage.

2. Trim the trees

Take time to examine the trees in your yard or surrounding your house.

Storms will often snap large tree branches, which can damage your home's siding, smash your car or even topple power lines and cause outages. If the tree has a loose connection with a big branch, consider sawing it off. It might reduce some shade in the yard, but can potentially protect your home.

3. Have standby power

Electricity lines are vulnerable during storms. Fallen branches can easily snap the power lines, and lightning strikes can blow up transformers, causing major power outages.

A whole-house surge protective device runs in the $200 to $300 range and is easy for an electrician to install. A generator is a great way to protect your home during storms and for a constant back up.

4. Flood-proof your home

Heavy rainstorms can lead to flooding, which can potentially wreak havoc on homes. Water damage can devalue a house and cause significant problems with the foundation.

Be ready in case of emergency, but if and when one occurs, rely on the professionals at SERVPRO of Benton County and SERVPRO of Linn County to make it “Like it never even happened.”

If you have any questions please call 541-745-2097

How can SERVPRO help after a tree damaged your home….

1/24/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of  Benton County is in the heart of the pacific northwest. The pacific northwest can experience high winds all through the year. The pacific northwest is also full of beautiful large trees. Trees and high heavy winds don’t mix well. SERVPRO of Benton County has experience with handling situation on which a tree damages homes.  When trees fall on homes they don’t just damage the roof, and structure of the home. The damage can also include water getting in to the home from rain which can cause insulation and drywall issues.

SERVPRO of Benton County can come out and tarp up, and board up the affected area, and help you deal with you insurance company to help take some of the stress of you. SERVPRO of Benton County can  make it “Like it never even happened.” We are here for you and your home 24/7.

The after math of the CAMP FIRE....

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

As you can see the smoke and soot are terribly thick.

The Camp fire was in Butte County California in which the small town of Paradise is located. Butte County has lost over 153,336 acres to the fire. The town of Paradise has been utterly devastated by the fire. Most of the town is gone. The fire destroyed 13,972 homes, and 4,828 building. 

SERVPRO of Benton County has be in the Paradise and outlining areas for almost 6 weeks now. We have two crews down helping the residents get their homes back to like the fire never even happened. The crews have been working so hard to help the home owners affected by the Camp Fire. SERVPRO can do more than just water mitigation and repair. We can do fire cleans too. 

The crews right now are cleaning homes to remove the smoke and soot  that was left behind in the customers homes. The crews are making their homes livable again. Benton County SERVPRO here to help.

Tess the season for frozen pipes

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

Keep cabinets open to let the heat keep your pipes from freezing.

Nothing is worse than waking up to a broken frozen pipe, and the havoc it can cause.   As a home owner

here are some helpful tips to remember to keep your home safe during this cold weather season.

• Open cabinets doors under sinks located to an outside wall.
• Leave hot and cold-water dripping in faucets,
• Put foam covers over outdoor spigots.
• Insulate water pipes with foam pipe insulation.

I never understood why my husband would open the cabinets until I experience a broken water pipe during the winter. I wish I knew about SERVPRO, and all the ways they can help with restoring your home after a water loss. SERVPRO makes it "Like it never even happened.”

Storm: Paradise, or what once was

11/30/2018 (Permalink)

Helicopter drops water on fire, courtesy of FEMA

November 8th, thousands of people’s lives were affected by the nation's deadliest fire on record. Paradise, California was leveled in a life-altering way. Not only were many displaced, but lives have been lost.

In the devastation, few companies have been sent out to help fix the disaster. SERVPRO and other restoration companies have been joined by fire fighters, phone companies, military, and adjusters from insurance companies.

SERVPRO of Benton County has sent a crew down south to see what we can do to help, so far the crew has been very busy doing cleanup, and smoke damage assessment.

SERVPRO in general, when a disaster strikes, will put out a message to the other SERVPRO franchises, essentially asking for help. That’s when we pack our vans, and we go.

It’s not exactly known how long the crews will be in California, but we hope that everyone is okay, that everyone is safe, and that the victims of the Camp Fire know our thoughts are with them.

Storms: SERVPRO makes the jump to help others impacted by disaster

9/11/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Linn and Benton County crew during California's wildfires.

As we enter into Fall, with Oregon weather comes lots of rain and moisture in our environment.

The rain is the precursor to storm weather, however the way we at SERVPRO interpret storms are in terms of great disaster.

A couple months ago, fires scorched California forests, which led to the damage of many homes within the area.

During disasters like this, SERVPRO will issue out a storm alert, and notify all the SERVPROs, this can be SERVPROs from the next town over, to all the way across the country.

SERVPRO crews stay in disaster zones sometimes up to a month, depending on the severity.

The crews will drive from their respective locations to the disaster and begin to sell jobs to start the reconstruction process. The sooner reconstruction commences, the less damage can occur. When damage, whether is be fire or water, is left and no intervention is done immediately, secondary damage can occur, and end up costing more.

The crews will complete the process quickly, so residents that “weathered through the storm” can move back in to their homes, and resume life “Like it never even happened”.

Disasters can be scary, but your local SERVPRO is always up for the challenge to help our community!

When a storm hits Benton County, SERVPRO is ready!

6/7/2018 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Benton County.

SERVPRO of Benton County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained, and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Benton County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Call SERVPRO of Benton County at 541-745-2097, today!

Preparing for the Storm

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

Being prepared can make weathering the storm easier.

Storm Preparation

Storms used to catch us unaware, and we only had time to react as best we could to what Mother Nature was throwing at us.  Thankfully, with today’s technology, we are usually given some advanced warning of an impending storm system.  While we still are mostly ‘reactionary’ to any storms that may come our way, by taking a few early precautionary measures, we should find ourselves in a better position to weather the storm!

Here are some steps you can take ahead of the storm:

1. Fortify your home. Check your gutters, to ensure they can safely flow water away from your home. Trim any tree branches which may hang too close to your home.  Close any patio umbrellas, or fabric awnings, which could sustain damage in high winds.

2. Sign up for Storm Alerts. Many communities send out text and email alerts during major storms to alert residents before the storm hits.
3. Build an Emergency Kit. Keep a ‘kit’ of basic supplies you may need when sheltering from a storm. Dehydrated food, extra water, portable camp stove, flashlight + extra batteries, a First Aid kit and extra medication are always good basics to keep on hand. Store your kit in an easy to ‘grab&go’ bag, in case you must evacuate your home.
4. Have an Evacuation Plan. In case you must leave your home, know the best route for leaving safely from your home. Have an idea ahead of time of a safe place you may go to in the event of an evacuation.
5. Create a Communication Plan. If you are aware of a major storm event is on its way, be sure to have your cell phones charged up. Make sure family/friend’s phone numbers are entered in to every family members cell phones, so you can contact each other easily. Also, perhaps designate a close friend or another family member outside of your community to be a ‘Primary Contact’ that YOU can check in with to update them, and others who may be concerned about you can call for updates.
6. DON’T FORGET YOUR PETS! Create an Emergency Storm kit just for your pets – extra food, water, perhaps a disposable litter box for cats. Have crates just in case you have to evacuate. And be sure your pets all have collars with the correct contact information, just in case they get away from you during an emergency.

We cannot change the weather, but by taking a few steps ahead of time CAN help a storm pass more easily.  After the storm clears, if you find damage to your home or property, do not hesitate to call upon your Cleaning and Restoration Specialists at SERVPRO today! We can help you get back on your feet after the storm!

As the Storm Approaches....

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

Satellite images can give us some warning of impending storms....

Storms can be frightening, and cause a lot of damage to our personal property.  Thankfully with today's technology, we generally do get some warning, which gives us a chance to prepare.

   What to do as storm approaches

-- Download an application to your smartphone that can notify people where you are, and if you need help or are safe. The Red Cross has a Hurricane App available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store as well as a shelter finder app. A first aid app is also available.

- Bring outside items in if they could be picked up by the wind.

-- Clear gutters of debris.

-- Reinforce the garage door.

-- Turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting in case power goes off. Use a cooler to keep from opening the doors on the freezer or refrigerator.

-- Fill a bathtub with water.

-- Get a full tank of gas in one car.

-- Go over the evacuation plan with the family, and learn alternate routes to safety.

-- Learn the location of the nearest shelter or nearest pet-friendly shelter.

-- Evacuate if ordered and stick to marked evacuation routes if possible.

-- Store important documents -- passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates, deeds -- in a watertight container.

-- Have a current inventory of household property.

-- Leave a note to say where you are going.

-- Unplug small appliances and electronics before you leave.

-- If possible, turn off the electricity, gas and water for the residence.

We can only do so much to prepare for an incoming storm, and our primary concern is to keep our loved ones safe.  If you experience property damage during any kind of storm, do not hesitate to call upon our Team here at SERVPRO. Our Cleaning and Restoration Specialists will help make it "Like it never even happened.”

Carbon Monoxide risk

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

Having CO Detectors in your home can help save lives.

When a winter storm hits, temperatures plummet. We feel the cold, even indoors as houses can be drafty, or a loss of power causes a loss of heat.  As many turn on portable heaters, the risk of fire is probably their primary safety concern.  Most people do not even consider the risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning!  But many common practices that come with a winter storm do come with an increased risk of accidental CO poisoning. To reduce your risk, and help keep your family safer during a winter storm, please be aware of the following :

• Proper use and ventilation of portable generators. Generators can be a life saver during a loss of power in a Winter Storm.  But they also create CO, so only use a generator per manufacturer’s instructions, and only in areas with proper ventilation. Never place one in an enclosed space, such as a basement, attic or attached garage. And make sure it is placed at least 15 feet away from a window or door into the home!
• Make sure chimneys are clean. Woodstoves, or wood burning fireplaces are a great source of heat in a cold snap. However, if the chimney is clogged, that CO filled smoke will feed back into the home, putting everyone at risk.
• Do not idle your car, or any vehicle, in a garage. Even with a garage door open, the colder air condenses the CO in the exhaust from the vehicle.
• Don’t use your oven or stove to heat your home.
• ANYTHING that burns fuel can create CO. Gas-Powered Generators, Furnaces, Wood stoves, Kerosene heaters, Gas-powered tools, Gas-Powered home appliances, Gas and Charcoal Grills, and, of course, vehicles.  Only use these items in well ventilated areas.
• Check exterior vents for ice or snow covering. During a storm, your furnace and appliance’s exhaust vents can become covered in ice or snow.  This can cause that exhaust to vent into the home, putting you and your family at great risk.
• Install Carbon Monoxide detectors. Have at least one on every floor of your home. Change out the batteries when you change clocks for Daylight Savings.

While we cannot ever be 100% prepared for a storm, making sure your home’s heating systems are in good shape BEFORE winter storms strike is your best defense.  If you need the name of a good Chimney Sweep, or Heating & Cooling Company, call us at SERVPRO for a recommendation. We have worked with many wonderful Service Men and Women in our community and are happy to help you find someone to assist you.

Storm Damage Restoration Efforts

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

Firestorms damage homes in northern California.

Last October devastating wildfires tore through Northern California destroying over 7,500 structures. Over 37 Franchises mobilized to assist in the cleanup process. SERVPRO of Benton County was one of those Franchises that assisted in cleaning smoke and soot from homes. Their customer service and attention to detail is second to none. It is not everyday customers take their service provider out for dinner and that is exactly what happened to SERVPRO of Benton County. Because of the impression they made on one family, turning their home from soot-covered to spotless, they were treated to a dinner by the homeowner to express their appreciation. Lets congratulate Nick Mcginnis and their crew at SERVPRO of Benton County for being recognized. We can help you clean up after damages to your home. 

Winter weather and frozen pipes

12/11/2017 (Permalink)

How to protect your home from a frozen pipe situation with SERVPRO.

When the weather starts to get freezing, so do your pipes and so does your home. This means taking the proper precautions to cover your pipes on the exterior in preparation for prolonged freezing temperatures. With those precautions in place, freezing temps and snowstorms can still harm your pipes. Here are a few steps you can take.

• Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature during both day and night. You might be in the habit of turning down the heat when you're asleep, but further drops in the temperature, this could freeze your pipes. 
• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

If you have a pipe break this winter, SERVPRO can help you get the quick damage restoration that you need. We will make sure to protect your home from damage. 

How a storm affects your home

9/26/2017 (Permalink)

Storm damage gets deeper than you might think. Learn more about storm damage with our blog.

Storms affect your home more than you may realize. At first glance a storm may look like high winds, rain maybe some snow and sleet. When you look closer storms and what all they bring you begin to notice how it may affect your home. 

Large trees 

Trees near your home can get weakened by storms causing branches to bend and possibly break causing damage to your home or roof. Now is a good time to get your trees trimmed and looked at. 

Heavy Rain 

Rain is pretty common in the Northwest but if there is a leak in your roof or windows the heavy rains will find their way in through these spots and cause water damage to the interior of your home. Get these spots taken care of before heavy rains. 

Chimney Maintenance

Your chimney can become packed with debris during a storm causing a blockage, this is also a place for animals to build their nest creating a bigger problem. Get your chimney cleaned out in preparation for the stormy season.  

We hope these tips get your home ready for storm season. SERVPRO of Benton County can help you with any damage you need to have repaired after a storm.

Winterize Your Home

9/25/2017 (Permalink)

Protect your home from losing heat and energy with these tips from SERVPRO. Keep warm and dry this winter/

1.Replace any old or inefficient windows. Windows are one of the major ways heat leaks out of your house. If your heating bill seems abnormally high, your windows may be a culprit. This is a pricey step in winterization but can be well worth it for a long winter running your furnace. If you haven't budgeted for new windows yet or want to wait for drier weather, you can always seal off drafty windows and patio doors with clear plastic.

2.If your furnace is more than 10 years old, there’s a good chance that it wastes a lot of fuel. Consider upgrading to a newer one. Todays furnaces are more energy efficient and quieter to run than any furnace to date.

3.Try replacing the weather stripping around the doors in your home. This can prevent cold drafts of air in the winter months and keep your home from loosing heat through the exterior doors.

4. Trim any tree branches that are hanging near your home or over your roof. They can bend during a snowstorm or blow and possibly break during a wind or rainstorm.  Depending upon how big the branch is, it could cause serious damage. Get those branches trimmed and away from the roof.

5.Try not to use space heaters to heat large areas of your house. This racks up a pretty big electric bill and wont be very efficient when it comes to heating a large space. If you spend most of your time in one room in a large house, consider setting your thermostat low and using a small heater to heat where you are going to be.

6. Use the oven for baking during colder hours of the day to help heat your home. The best time to bake and use your oven is in the winter when it will heat the house and bring warm air into the kitchen. By using your oven to bake when it is cold you are getting a dual use out of your oven.

7.Keep all closet doors closed when possible. There’s no need to heat space that isn’t in use as long as it doesn’t contain water pipes. Keeping doors closed keeps the heat where you want it.

What you need in preparation for a storm

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

1. Canned goods and a manual can opener

Now everyone knows in a natural disaster that canned fruits, vegetables and even things like canned beans are a great food supply. They will last a long time and offer you the nutrients you need. 

However, opening a can without a can opener can be difficult and sometimes not possible. Make sure to add a can opener to your set so in a time of disaster you have access to canned goods. 

2. Batteries (big and small)

 One of the most important things you’re going to need in the event of al storm or hurricane is power and if you don’t have a generator, you’re going to be relying on batteries to get you through the day.

Not only are they going to be powering the flashlights you’re using to see at night, but they’re going to be powering other things as well that you’ll have to remember. For example, don’t forget to stock up on your hearing aid batteries if that’s one of the things you use.

3. Water

 The most important thing, and everybody pretty much knows this, is you want to have drinking water on hand but what everybody doesn’t really know is how much do you need?

The American Red Cross recommends that you have one gallon, per person, per day in the event of a natural disaster. So that means a family of four, over five days is going to need 20 gallons of water.

5. Cash is King

 When the power is out, credit cards and ATMs are a no-go so cash is a must have. Always keep a handy amount ready to go in case the storm fallout lasts longer than you anticipated and you need to get more supplies or fill up your gas tank.

4 Ways to keep your pipes from freezing and breaking in the winter

2/21/2017 (Permalink)

How to protect from frozen pipes during the winter

Here are 4 ways to keep your pipes from freezing and breaking in the winter from SERVPRO of Benton County:

There are several simple fixes to keep water pipes from freezing when the weather turns cold during wintertime. Water damage and broken pipes can be costly. The idea is to prevent cold air from entering or to warm the area where cold air can't be stopped from entering. If pipes freeze, check for pinhole leaks or cracks (after they've thawed) that can cause serious water damage to the home. If you have a burst pipe SERVPRO can help repair any damages and get your home all clean and ready for the next season.

Here are 4 ways to keep pipes from freezing in the first place:

1. Leave the cabinet doors under the kitchen sink open so that the room air can warm the pipes.

2. If the crawl access is inside the home, set a fan in the opening to blow warm air from the home to the foundation. Don't use a fan when the access is in an unheated garage or outside the home.


3. Have the home's exterior walls insulated. Caulk and seal around doors, windows, house faucets and outside outlets.

4. With rigid foam insulation, close and seal all foundation vents that are near water pipes.


5. Insulate the foundation walls and the ends of the floor joists with rigid foam insulation.

With these simple steps you can help keep your pipes warm and the freeze out.

Storm Damage Protection Tips

2/1/2017 (Permalink)

Protect your home from Storms with a few tips from SERVPRO

We live in the Pacific Northwest and we love it! That also means we have a a lot of different weather that we experience in the winter months. From strong winds and rain to heavy snow here are 4 ways to protect your home from a storm. If your home is damaged SERVPRO will make it like it never happened.

1. Clear away outdoor items

Make sure all lawn furniture, gardening tools, sporting equipment and other outdoor items are stored away if a storm is heading your way. High winds during a heavy storm can potentially pick up these items and send them flying through a window or far away from your home. Putting away loose outdoor items in this situation can protect your house (and your neighbors’ houses) from unnecessary damage.

2. Trim the trees

Take time to examine the trees in your yard or surrounding your house.

Storms will often snap large tree branches, which can damage your home's siding, smash your car or even topple power lines and cause outages. If the tree has a loose connection with a big branch, consider sawing it off. It might reduce some shade in the yard, but can potentially protect your home.

3. Have standby power

Electricity lines are vulnerable during storms. Fallen branches can easily snap the power lines, and lightning strikes can blow up transformers, causing major power outages.

A whole-house surge protective device runs in the $200 to $300 range and is easy for an electrician to install. A generator is a great way to protect your home during storms and for a constant back up.

4. Flood-proof your home

Heavy rainstorms can lead to flooding, which can potentially wreak havoc on homes. Water damage can devalue a house and cause significant problems with the foundation.

Be ready in case of emergency, but if and when one occurs, rely on the professionals at SERVPRO of Benton County and SERVPRO of Linn County to make it “Like it never even happened.”

If you have any questions please call 541-745-2097